BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State Broncos played their first baseball games in more than 40 years this week.
BSU defeated Northern Colorado on Friday night and two more times on Saturday.
In the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday, Eagle-native Christian Padilla hit a walk off winner to break a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 10th inning. BSU won the second game out slugging Northern Colorado 12-9.
“He’s got that Boise State mentality; he’s going to grind it out all the time, so to see him have success, is just a parent's dream," said Tom Padilla. "My wife and I are just totally thrilled.”
It seemed like everyone at the ballpark was thrilled to see the return of Boise State baseball as the Broncos are now 3-3 on the season.
"I’m super excited just to see college baseball in Boise," said Gavin Salladay, a young fan who was cheering on the Broncos with his friend Evan Stands.
This pair told us Joe Yorke and Cole Posey are their favorite players and other fans received autographs and pictures with the players on this historical weekend.
"Oh yeah, we are very happy," said John and Peg Simonet. "We love baseball and we bought season tickets to support Gary Van Tol."
Manager Gary Van Tol leads the Broncos into this new era, but bringing Boise State baseball back also gives Idaho their only Division 1 college baseball team.
“It’s amazing, it is a dream come true because for many years, kids had to leave the state to play Division 1 baseball," said Padilla. "It's nice to see kids come home now and play for Gary and Boise State."
The Broncos return to action on Friday when they welcome Seattle U to town for another four-game weekend series. It's part of an 11-game homestand giving fans several chances to check out this new team.
Click here to see their season schedule.
